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In the Spotlight
Smallgod, the Ghanaian music-mogul-turned-artist, is unearthing a new dimension in African music, connecting a curated cross-section of Africa’s brightest talents with his debut album “Building Bridges.”
By EKOW BARnes
Spanning a period of 15 years, Ghanaian multihyphenate Smallgod (whose birth name is Nana Appiasei) has immersed himself in the African music industry, working as a connector through artist management and publishing. Having been a music entrepreneur, culture connoisseur, and streetwear maven for years, Smallgod is finally taking a leap of faith, answering the call to a bigger stage as an artist, ready to lead the charge of pan-Africanism through music with the launch of his debut album “Building Bridges.”
Smallgod was raised between Ghana, London, and the Netherlands, becoming acquainted with diverse cultures and their unique sounds at a tender age. He owes the idiosyncrasies ever-present in his musical taste to influences of his early cross-cultural immersions. Fueled by a fiery desire to connect and help Africa progress through multiple mediums of art. Smallgod is highly involved in fashion, which he sees not only as a mode of expression, but as a tool for convening cultures. He works with Daily Paper, a Netherland-based streetwear brand, where he contributes to the brand’s contemporary African inspired streetwear designs.
“Big Nana is the dot connector. He’s been building bridges for time ,” says Jefferson Osei, co-founder of Daily Paper, of Smallgod (referring to him by his birth name). “He came to us two years ago to see how we could connect his brand with Daily Paper and we decided to use his album Building Bridges. That’s how we launched Daily Paper and Building Bridges merchandise at the pop-up store in Accra. He’s a visionary.”
In “Building Bridges”, Smallgod further solidifies himself as an aggregator of a variety of cultures. He is able to masterfully cross-pollinate sounds, bringing together different fan bases and effortlessly building bridges between Africa and the diaspora. He reveals the sound of the new Africa by featuring Afrobeats kingpins including Tiwa Savage, King Promise, R2Bees, Shatta Wale, Busiswa, Harmonize, and 2face, as well as skits from comedian Eddie Kad on the 20-track album. Savage, for one, is full of high praise for the artist. "I was the first person Smallgod featured on this album: That shows how much love I have for him. I'm glad to be part of this legacy," she says.
Smallgod sat down with Industrie Africa to shed light on his background, his debut album, and his vision for future.
Smallgod is like a humble lion. If you don’t step on his tail he doesn’t bite. It’s actually a name my grandmother gave to me when I was a child. Because as a young child I was very self-dependent unlike other kids my age. If I wanted to pick up something, say a book from the top shelf, I wouldn't ask for help, rather I would find a way like using a broom to knock it down. My Grandmother, seeing my lifestyle, exclaimed that I was an “Akwadaa Nyame” which translates into English as a “Small god” so that’s how the name got stuck.
Yes I did a lot of work which I wouldn’t say is necessarily work, because it was more of researching and connecting with underground artists; helping them to get to places where they can be heard. I had the answers to most of their problems. My only blockage was some of these artists don’t actually listen to these words and guidance that I give. I began to see the gap their actions created then I realized that there was a need to fill that void myself because after all I spend most of my time with artists already so why not become one. I took cues from DJ Khaled and became an artist myself.
I’m very well-travelled. I have been to many places and what I have realized is music is consumed differently especially when you’re in the country where the music originates. For instance, when you’re in Jamaica, Reggae just hits differently, and in South Africa the way they dance, their facial expression and musical costumes are different. And since I’ve travelled a lot I’ve seen the blend of different music and cultures for myself so I have the vision and I know what should be mixed with what to form my own sound. Basically my intersection with different cultures, fashion, and sounds are responsible for my style of music.
Style is a natural extension of my being, it’s only that it wasn’t noticed much then since I was mostly behind the scenes of music. But now that I’m at the forefront, I just do me and the fans love it.
I’ll say my inspiration was Covid. The pandemic to many was a gift and a curse at the same time. For me, it became a gift; a blessing. I sat down at home and it gave me a whole year for self introspection. I was trying to figure out my next steps and as I explored all these as they came, I was able to come up with my album.
Coming onto the centre stage now is not as easy as it might look. It’s a bit tricky. I’ve always been outgoing, partying and all that but not being the main guy. Normally I’m the guy telling the artists what to do, but in my case, I have to take the actions and decisions in the capacity of both an artist and a manager.
Coming onto the centre stage now is not as easy as it might look. It’s a bit tricky. I’ve always been outgoing, partying and all that but not being the main guy. Normally I’m the guy telling the artists what to do, but in my case, I have to take the actions and decisions in the capacity of both an artist and a manager.
Afro-fusion sound (a fusion of the Afro as the base mixed with all the genres of music).
With Smallgod everything is small-small or as they say bit by bit. There’s nothing like the sky being the limit; it’s all about going beyond that sky thing that they call the limit. Whatever comes my way that will help others, especially young and up-and-coming music talent without opportunities, I’ll certainly go into it. With my music, I have three more albums all ready to go and we’re still working hard and recording. : from clothing collaborations, merch and fashion popups, to meet-and-greets and a whole lot more.
Smallgod. Photo: Courtesy of Fiifi Abban
credits
Photographer: Fiifi Abban
Producer: Rain Labs
Photographer's Assistant: Christian Ogbu Uche
Fashion Director: Ekow Barnes
Stylist: Shadrach Stone
Fashion Assistant: Emmanuel Affedzie
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